Friday, May 2, 2025

HERMLE Launches GEN2 in the U.S.

A New Era of Integrated, Future-Ready Machining with One-Setup Production and 13 Processes in One Machine

HERMLE USA proudly announces the launch of GEN2 machines in America, a bold evolution of its renowned 5-axis machining centers. Debuting with the C 650, C 32, and C 42, GEN2 brings unmatched levels of integration, efficiency, and lights-out performance—built for the next generation of machinists and manufacturers.

Gunther Schnitzer, President and CEO of HERMLE USA, notes “This platform doesn’t just evolve our machines—it completely reinvents what’s possible in a single setup. For shops looking to stay competitive, this is your iPhone moment.”

GEN2 marks a full generational shift. Over the next 5 months, every HERMLE model will transition to this new platform—engineered for automation, sustainability, and extreme spindle uptime. While the technology has advanced, the foundation remains the same. The legendary mechanical design that delivers HERMLE’s unsurpassed precision and long-term accuracy is unchanged, ensuring the company’s dominance in 5-axis machining continues, now elevated by smarter, more integrated capabilities.

HERMLE has completely overhauled the electrical architecture of its GEN2 machines, updating both hardware and software to meet the demands of future-ready manufacturing. Key upgrades include a new ProfiNet communication bus, IO-Link-compatible sensors, and the latest generation of drive converters on Heidenhain models. These changes boost performance, enhance diagnostics, and ensure long-term adaptability with advanced interface technology and service tools.

HERMLE stands by its promise of a single-source machining solution, and GEN2 delivers like never before. Customers can now consolidate multiple setups, capabilities and machines into a single, fully integrated platform—saving time, labor, and floor space while improving throughput and quality.

New capabilities include:

  • Contour Broaching – Deep, high-precision sealing grooves
  • Grinding – For complex materials and fine surface finishes, ideal for aerospace and semiconductor applications
  • Power Skiving – Complete gear production in one pass
  • Diamond Polishing – For hardened components up to 60 HRC
  • Temperature & Ultrasound Measurement – For real-time process feedback
  • Synchronous Deburring, Reverse Countersinks, and more

These processes are brought together in the new HERMLE Technology Component—a single part featuring 13 advanced machining technologies, all completed in one machine, under one setup.

GEN2 is designed to make machine shops smarter, leaner, and more profitable—no matter the industry.

  • Redesigned Coolant System – Improves filtration, extends coolant life, and reduces maintenance
  • Smarter Energy Use – Frequency-controlled drives adapt power to load, cutting energy costs
  • Advanced Spindle Diagnostics – Minimize unplanned downtime and improve predictive maintenance
  • Seamless Automation Integration – Including HERMLE’s RS 2 GEN2 automation for handling both pallets and parts
  • Smart Tracker – Optimizes space by identifying pallet contents and intelligently managing workflows

“You're only making money when the spindle is turning,” Schnitzer adds. “GEN2 is built to keep it turning—longer, smarter, and with fewer human interventions. This is the future of manufacturing.”

GEN2 models will also feature the ZM 30, HERMLE’s new ultra-compact tool magazine. It adds 30 additional tools while occupying nearly 50% less space than traditional magazines—an easy rear retrofit for shops looking to expand tool capacity without expanding their footprint.

In a market where people are chasing higher uptime, reducing per-piece cost, or looking to consolidate multi-machine workflows into a single, automated platform—GEN2 represents the path forward. Backed by HERMLE’s unmatched engineering and support, GEN2 is more than a machine. It’s the competitive edge in a fast-moving manufacturing landscape.

Official U.S. Live Demo Debut: September 9–11 at the 5-Axis Summit

GEN2 machines—including live demonstrations of on-machine grinding and power skiving—will be unveiled at the HERMLE 5-Axis Summit, held at HERMLE USA’s headquarters in Franklin, Wisconsin from September 9–11, 2025. This exclusive event will showcase the next era of integrated, lights-out machining—where precision meets total process consolidation.

Videos:

HERMLE C 32 GEN2 Absperrventil | Shut-off valve

HERMLE C 650 GEN2 Motorengehäuse | Drive case

Additional Information:

HERMLE Insights

About HERMLE USA, Inc.

HERMLE USA, Inc., located in Franklin, WI, is the North American headquarters of Maschinenfabrik Berthold HERMLE AG located in Gosheim, Germany. Since 1987, the firm has provided North America’s leading manufacturers with the finest high-precision machines, automation solutions, applications assistance, customer training, and service. For more information, visit www.hermleusa.net.